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Amravati: Relief and restoration work is in full swing in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh affected by Cyclone Montha, which crossed the coast early Wednesday, while the state government has decided to distribute essential commodities to the affected families.
Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are busy removing trees and poles fallen due to strong winds.
Teams were seen removing fallen trees from Nizampatnam-Repalle Road, Machilipatnam-Manginapudi Road and other roads.
SDRF personnel were clearing fallen trees and house debris from roads at Antarvedi, Pallepalem and Kasudasupalem.
SDRF personnel evacuated people from some residential areas in Ongole city, which were flooded due to the overflowing Pothuraju canal.
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has appealed not to venture out until official information is received. Those living in relief camps have been instructed not to return unless authorities ask them to do so.
People have been advised to drink only boiled/chlorinated water and stay away from broken electric poles, loose wires/broken wires and other sharp objects.
Meanwhile, the government has announced the distribution of essential commodities to the people affected by the cyclone.
The government issued orders to district collectors of affected districts to allow distribution of essential commodities free of cost to affected families and livelihood-affected fishermen in relief camps.
The families will be given 25 kg rice (50 kg for weavers and fishermen), one kg red gram dal, one liter palm oil, one kg onion, one kg potato and one kg sugar.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday held a teleconference with district collectors, officials and ministers and gave suggestions about measures to be taken in flood-affected areas.
The Chief Minister said that they can minimize the damage by effectively dealing with the cyclone during the four to five days and has taken measures to minimize the damage.
He said two people died due to the cyclone.
“From the CM to the secretariat staff including the district administration, we have worked as a team. Congratulations to everyone working for the affected people during these difficult times. If we work like this for two more days, we can provide more relief to the affected people,” he said.
The Chief Minister asked the officials to take steps to restore normalcy as soon as possible. He said that ministers and officials should visit the affected areas and tell the people what the government has done. He asked the departments to assess the damage caused by the cyclone and prepare a report, which will be submitted to the Centre.
“We were able to prevent most of the damage by taking early measures. No one can stop a cyclone, but we can prevent the damage by taking precautions,” the Chief Minister said.
He said that the Collector and officials took precautions by sitting in the control room and getting real-time information.
–IANS